
WHEN MOTHER 

LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



MARY B . G R_U B B 




pass TT/y/ 

Book Q_l. . 



Copyright If. 



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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 




Making Gifts. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US 
MAKE GIFTS 



BY 
MARY E. GRUBB 



ILLUSTRATED BY THE AUTHOR 




NEW YORK 

MOFFAT, YARD AND COMPANY 

1914 






* .A 



Copyright, 1914, by 

MOFFAT, YARD & COMPANY 

NEW YORK 



All Rights Reserved 



A.7-T 



SEP 18 19/4 



'CI.A379579 



DEDICATED WITH LOVE 

TO 

MY FATHER 

WHO ALWAYS TREASURES THE 
GIFTS CHILDREN MAKE FOR HIM 



- it>f?Y 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Preparing to Make Gifts 11 

An Old Sampler 14 

A Holder . 15 

A Marble Bag 17 

A Bean Bag 18 

Mats and Doilies 20 

My Chum's School Bag 21 

A Shopping Bag 24 

A Pillow in Cross-Stitch 26 

A Small Blotter 29 

A Needle Book 30 

A Tumbler Cover 32 

A Pin Case 34 

Things to be Remembered 35 

Drivers or Reins 37 

A Match Scratcher 39 

A Desk-Blotter 40-43 

An Address Book 44 

A Stamp Case 45 

Calendars 46 

A Collar Bag 50-51 

Stencilled Bags 52 

Mother's Party 54 

A Candle Shade 56-58 

A Magazine Cover . 59-60 

Stick Printing 61 

Candy Boxes 63-65 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Decorated Wrapping Paper 67 

Envelopes for Gifts 70 

Handkerchief Cases 72 

A Ball Holder 73 

A Carpenter's Apron for a Child 75 

Stencilled Pillows 77 

Scarfs or Runners . 79 

Curtains . 81-82 

A Portfolio 85-88 

A Music Portfolio 90 

A Cook Book 92-95 

A Clipping Book 97 

A Picture Book for Baby 100-102 

Easter Gifts 103-104 

Christmas Cards 107 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

Making Gifts Frontispiece 

PAGE 

Easter Cards 12 

Border for School Bag 13 

Basket of Flowers in Cross-Stitch 14 

A Holder 15 

Designs for Mats and Doilies 19 

Cross-Stitch Alphabet and Various Stitches . . 23 

A Shopping Bag 24 

Designs for a Pillow and Towel 27 

A Small Blotter 28 

A Needle Book 31 

Tumbler Covers 33 

Design for a Pin-Case 35 

A Match Scratcher 39 

A Desk Blotter 40-41 

An Address Book 44 

A Stamp Book 45 

A Calendar 47 

A Collar Bag 49 

Two Stencilled Bags 53 

Design for Candle Shades 55-58 

A Magazine Cover 59-60 

Pictures of Candy Boxes 62 

Pattern for Candy Boxes 61-66 

Decorated Wrapping Papers 68 

Patterns for Envelopes 69-71 

A Ball Holder 74 

A Carpenter's Apron 74 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

Stencilled Pillow Tops 76 

Design for Pillow Tops 78 

Scarfs and Runners 80 

Curtains 81-82 

Designs for Borders 83 

A Portfolio 85-88 

A Music Portfolio 89 

A Cook Book 91-92 

A Clipping Book 96 

A Picture Book for Baby 98-99-102 

Christmas Designs 105 

Christmas Folders or Cards 106 



PREPARING TO MAKE GIFTS. 

Isn't it great fun to shop for Christmas, 
Easter and birthday gifts'? But don't your 
"pennies" have a fashion of giving out long be- 
fore you have finished your list % 

Most of us have that experience even when we 
have given many hours beforehand to the plan- 
ning of the little gifts, that we wish to send to 
our friends on these special days. 

Suppose you try a new scheme this year. Be- 
gin at once to plan and make things during your 
odd minutes. As one gift after another is 
finished, label and place in a "Gift" box. 

You will be surprised to find how much you 
have on hand, when the time comes to do your 
final Christmas shopping. Consult Mother be- 
fore you begin your work; I am sure she will 
be glad to furnish many bits of ribbon, silk, 
linen, cretonne and other odds and ends that have 
accumulated in her scrap bag. 

In a small memorandum book make note of 
these materials before you put them in your 
"supply" box. 

Next look over the gifts described in this book 

and utilize some of your materials before you 

buy anything. The needle book, handkerchief 

case, collar and shopping bags and many of the 

11 



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Easter Cards, 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 13 

other articles, with a stencilled or embroidered 
decoration, may be worked out quickly and ef- 
fectively with almost any brocaded or printed 
material. 

When you make your gifts, be sure you select 
articles that you can do well. For the important 
thing in all craftwork is to have the object well 
made. 

Try and interest some of your friends in your 
plans. You might have a ' i Gift Club, ' ' and meet 
once each week, to work together and to exchange 
patterns and materials. 

Perhaps you may be so fortunate as to have 
some grown up friend who will help you select 
your designs and show you about the sewing. 

You must not let this gift making cause 
Mother a lot of extra work. When you finish 
for the day be sure to put all of your materials 
away. It is well to have a certain box or desk 
for your stencil and sewing outfit. 

"Not what we give, but what we share 
For the gift without the giver is bare." 

— Lowell. 



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WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



AN OLD SAMPLER. 

When great-grandma was little, 
A sampler quaint she worked 

With trees and letters, birds and flowers. 
I'm sure she never shirked. 







Basket of Flowers in Cross-Stitch. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 15 

A HOLDER. 

Materials : 

Small checked gingham strip 6"xl2". 

A skein or spool of mercerized cotton the color of 

the dark check. 
No. 40 cotton thread. 
Sheet of cotton batting 5" x 10". 

When cooking one often needs a holder to 
protect the hands when lifting the hot lids or 
cooking utensils. 

Make two holders similar to the one in the il- 
lustration. Fasten one at each end of a piece of 
tape one yard long. Sew them on by the ring. 




16 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

In the middle of the tape place a large safety 
pin, to be used to fasten to the band of the 
kitchen apron. Then when rushed, your holder 
will be perfectly convenient. 

Be sure to allow enough margin for the seams, 
when you begin to work out the design in cross- 
stitch. Count your squares so that you can plan 
a design that will come out right at the corners. 
Perhaps you would better work out the drawing 
design on the " blocked' ' or " squared'' paper be- 
fore beginning it on the cloth. 

Fold the gingham through the middle to form 
a square. Seam up the two sides from this fold. 
Use a French seam. 

Place the square of cotton batting in the en- 
velope formed. Be sure to keep it smooth. 

Next baste down each edge of the opening. 
Bring these folded edges together and "over- 
hand" them. See picture of this stitch on page 
23. 

Use the mercerized cotton to cover a small 
brass ring. Work over the ring with the 
"blanket" stitch or button hole stitch. 

Sew this ring securely to one corner of the 
holder to serve as a hanger, or as a means for 
attaching it to the tape. 

This little gift, if neatly made will surely 
please grandmother or auntie, and if big sister 
uses a chafing dish she may be glad to have one 
too. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 17 



BROTHER'S MARBLE BAG. 

Brother lost his marbles, 

I'll buy some at the store, 
And place them in this good, strong bag, 

Then he may play once more. 




18 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

A MARBLE BAG. 

Each spring, while the marble season is on, 
the small boy of the family is likely to annoy his 
mother and teacher by frequently dropping his 
marbles upon the floor. 

Let us give him a marble bag, that is strong 
and serviceable, the only decoration his mono- 
gram embroidered in cross-stitch or in chain 
stitch. Use a heavy wash floss for working the 
straight line letters. See alphabet p. 23. 

You will need a piece of dark denim 5" x 12". 
Fold through middle and plan for the placing of 
monogram. Work it. Then seam up the two 
sides with French seam, stitch on the sewing 
machine with strong heavy cotton thread. 

Turn in a hem at the top for the heavy draw 
string. 

A BEAN BAG. 

The bean bag may be made of denim, ging- 
ham or any strong, serviceable material G 1 /^" x 
13". Fold in the middle ; decorate one side with 
a cross-stitch design or a monogram. 

The fold forms one end, seam the two sides 
with a French seam. 

Fill the bag with beans, turn in the edges of 
the opening and baste them together. Finish 
with the " over-handing " stitch. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



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Designs for Mats and Doilies. 



20 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

MATS AND DOILIES. 

All housekeepers delight in an abundance of 
mats and doilies. You will make no mistake if 
you add a gift to their linen supply. 

For the dining-room, squares or oblongs of 
linen may be neatly hemmed or hemstitched and 
above this a design worked in cross-stitch. 

Several of you might work together and make 
an entire luncheon set. 

For a friend, whose dining-room is decorated 
in blue, you might embroider center-piece or 
doilies repeating one or two tones of the same 
blue in the wash linen or cotton embroidery 
thread. Silk threads are not desirable for the 
white linen that must be frequently laundered. 

To protect the tops of porch tables and tab- 
ourettes make mats or doilies of the coarse 
colored linens or canvas or of the soft burlaps. 
Use a heavy thread for this embroidery. 

These coarser fabrics make a somewhat clumsy 
hem and if you prefer a different finish you can 
ravel the goods for about an inch and a half and 
catch these threads in bunches with a needle and 
a thread the same color as mat. The fringe is 
a satisfactory finish for mats that are rarely 
washed. 

The depth of the hem or fringe must depend 
upon the size of the mat or doily, and also upon 
the width of the design selected. 



WHEN MOTHEK LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



21 



Page 19 gives four suggestions for cross-stitch 
decorations for squares. Two of these are only 
partially worked out in the drawings. 



MY CHUM'S SCHOOL BAG. 

With Mother's help I'll make 
A school bag for my friend, 

I'll tie it up with ribbons gay 
On Christmas morn to send. 




22 WHEN" MOTHER LETS ITS MAKE GIFTS 

A SCHOOL BAG. 

Materials : 

\ yard of good burlap or heavy canvas. 
2 skeins of coarse floss. 
\\ yards of cord, cut in 2 pieces. 
Kaffia needle. 

Almost any small girl will be glad to find 
among her Christmas gifts a pretty embroidered 
school bag. 

You must be sure to select a good, serviceable 
color and one that will harmonize with her dress 
or wraps. 

Burlap ravels so easily, it is better to em- 
broider the bag before you cut it the exact size. 
Also to make two rows of machine stitching 
about one-half inch from each raw edge. 

Let the crease in the middle of the cloth be the 
center of the bottom of the bag. (This brings 
both selvage edges to the top.) 

Parallel with, and two inches above the fold, 
embroider one row containing seventy-nine cross- 
stitches. Above this work out the design of 
trees given in tail-piece. Page 13. 

When this border is finished cut off the strip 
of extra burlap at the right-hand side. Make 
French seams lG 1 /^' long at each side. 

Make a one inch hem at the top, to hold the 
drawstring. In the outside cloth of this hem 
and even with each seam work button holes with 
embroidery floss the exact color of the burlap. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 23 




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Cross-stitch Alphabet and Various Stitches. 



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WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



Let the loops of drawstring come out at the 
button-holes. 

If you wish you may embroider the owner's 
monogram on one side of the bag. Use large 
block letters, worked in cross-stitch. Place them 
near the middle of the space or in the lower right 
corner. 

A SHOPPING BAG. 
We are sure that sister, 

When next she goes up town, 

Will take this lovely bag, we made 

To match her shopping gown. 




WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 25 

AN EMBROIDERED SHOPPING BAG. 

Let us make a shopping bag for sister's gift. 
We must use the same colors as her shopping 
gown or make the bag of a neutral color and em- 
broider the design in rather dull tones that will 
harmonize with almost any frock. 

The bag may be of coarse linen decorated with 
a surface pattern or a border worked in cross- 
stitch ; or it may be similar to the one in the il- 
lustration. It was made by joining two strips 
of brown ribbon, folding, crosswise through the 
middle, to form the bottom. Before the sides 
were fastened together the embroidered band 
was sewed on. 

This band is a strip of ecru canvas folded in 
the middle to form the bottom. 

The design is done in brown and orange silk 
embroidery thread. The' small oblongs are out- 
lined with black. The main portion of the de- 
sign is made in cross-stitch. 

Cord is really more serviceable than ribbon for 
the drawstrings. The top is finished and the 
cord inserted as described for the school-bag. 



26 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

PILLOWS AND CUSHIONS. 

Beautiful and practical pillows and cushions 
may be made of coarse linen, canvas, or soft bur- 
lap embroidered with a cross-stitch design. 

The size of the embroidery thread used de- 
pends upon the quality of the cloth. The coarser 
its weave, the heavier the thread should be. 

The pillow design, a portion of which is given 
on page 27, is quite effective worked in old rose, 
dull green and black on a coarse tan canvas. 

It requires two twenty-inch squares of the ma- 
terial. 

The " rosette" is used in each corner and re- 
peated on each side three times between the cor- 
ners. If your cloth is finer you will need more 
repeats of the unit. 

By modifying your designs you can make an 
oblong instead of a square pillow. 

TOWELS. 

The hemstitched huckaback towels are very 
pretty when decorated with cross-stitch embroid- 
ery. 

At the middle, just a short distance above one 
hem, you may use the wreath of roses given on 
page 27 or the quaint little basket of flowers 
from page 14 or one of the borders may go across 
the end, or you may use a monogram of the 
" block' ' letters shown on page 23. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS ITS MAKE GIFTS 



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Cross Stitch Designs. 



28 WHEN MOTHER LETS ITS MAKE GIFTS 





A Small Blotter. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 29 

A SMALL BLOTTER. 

Materials : 

4 pieces of blotting paper each 3" x 5J". 
1 sheet of cover paper 3" x 5J". 
t \ yard of silk cord. 
Manila drawing paper. 
Water-colors. 

If you decide to use the design given on the 
opposite page, trace it on rice or tissue paper 
and transfer it to the cover paper. Go over the 
outline to insure a firm light line. Fill in this 
decoration with a flat wash of color. When dry, 
outline with ink. 

If you prefer a different design, work out 
several preliminary patterns on oblongs of draw- 
ing paper each 3" x5 1 / 4". Select the best one 
and apply it to the cover. 

Put the cover on the blotters and at the left 
punch holes and fasten the 5 sheets together with 
the cord (see illustration). If you are unable 
to get cord the desired color, dye a piece of tape 
and use it for the fastening. 

If you wish to give a small blotter to some 
friend in college, you may be able to use their 
college or society colors, and to plan a simple 
decoration of the monogram, seal or emblem of 
college, or fraternity or sorority. 



30 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

A NEEDLE BOOK. 

Materials : 

2 pieces of linen each 6" x 4". 

Oak tag or card board 5J" x 3£". 

Pink and green wash silk or linen embroidery floss. 

2 pieces of fine flannel each 4 j " x 2 j ". 

J yard very fine gold cord. 

| yard green baby ribbon. 

1 paper needles of assorted sizes. 

To make the needle book with the embroidered 
cover, first trace the design on rice or tissue 
paper. Go over the entire surface of the back 
of this paper with a soft lead pencil. Place this 
blackened side on one piece of the linen and 
trace over the design with a sharp lead pencil. 

Embroider the design, then carefully press the 
linen. 

Draw a line through the middle of the card- 
board. Score this line with the blunt side of a 
knife. Next cover the cardboard with the two 
pieces of linen. Overhand the edges, then finish 
by sewing on the fine cord. 

Work a button-hole stitch with green floss on 
the edges of the flannel. Fold the two pieces of 
flannel and sew them to the cover. Use a long 
piece of ribbon to hide the stitches, tying it on 
the outside. Fasten short pieces of ribbon at the 
middle of the front edges of the cover to tie them 
together. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



31 



If you cannot embroider well, you can use bits 
of flowered ribbon or silk for the cover and so 
do away with the making of any design. 

FOR MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY. 

A dainty well made book, 
All filled with needles bright, 

Will be for Mother's birthday 
A gift that brings delight. 



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A Needle Book. 



32 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

TUMBLER COVERS. 

How many times we have seen our friends 
hunt vainly for a lid to fit a tumbler, so that the 
contents may be kept clean. 

Why not make some cardboard or oak tag 
tumbler covers and decorate them with stencilled 
designs ? 

On a sheet of practice paper draw a circle 
somewhat larger than the top of the tumbler. 
Divide the circle into equal sections and decide 
upon a unit that may be repeated in each section 
and form a good design. 

Many interesting decorations for circles may 
be found by studying Japanese designs, espe- 
cially their " Crest Books." 

Trace design on the cardboard ; add the small 
flaps at the edge of the circle, as shown in the 
illustration. 

Color the design. Cut out the cover. Before 
you bend the flap or tabs down at right angles 
to the circles, score the circumference at the top 
of each flap. These tabs will prevent the cover 
from slipping off the tumbler. 

If you wish, a loop of cord containing one large 
Indian bead may be fastened in the middle of the 
circle; and serve as a lifter. The ends of the 
cord should be tied on the back or under side of 
the card in a hard knot with the ends cut close. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 33 




Designs for Tumbler Covers. 



34 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

A PIN CASE. 
Materials : 

2 circles of linen or silk each 2J" in diameter. 
2 circles of card-board 2" in diameter. 
Tracing paper. 
Pins to be placed in edge of case. 

A small, round pin case, that may be carried in 
a shopping bag, purse or card case, will often 
serve as a sort of " first aid to the injured" cloth- 
ing; holding rents together until one can se- 
cure the skilled service of a needle and thread. 

To make this pin holder, gather one circle of 
the cloth quite near the edge; place it over one 
of the card board circles. Pull the edges over, 
and draw up the gathering string and fasten the 
end of the thread firmly. 

Cover the other cardboard; put the backs of 
the circles together and " over-hand" the edges. 

If you have used a plain linen, you should dec- 
orate it with a stencil pattern. The designs 
given are the exact size. One of them may be 
transferred to drawing paper, then cut out for 
a stencil. 

Before you apply the color to the pin-case, 
test it on a sample of the linen until you are able 
to put it on without its spreading. 

If you have not had much experience stencil- 
ling, you would better use flowered silk or ribbon 
instead of the linen. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIETS 



35 



THINGS TO REMEMBER. 

You should remember: — 

To use a sharp, hard lead pencil and a brass 
edged ruler in drawing patterns. 

To fold on the dotted lines and cut on the 
heavy lines of the pattern. 

To use the blunt edge of the knife or scissors 
blade when you score a line. Press just hard 
enough to enable you to make a good straight 
fold on the line. 

That " means inches. 

To have each gift well made. 

To avoid elaborate designs. 




Design for Pin Case. 



36 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

To mix a little more paint or dye than you are 
likely to use. The effect of the flat wash will be 
destroyed, if you must stop to mix more color 
when the design is partially done. 

That water colors or dyes may be used to dec- 
orate the articles made of paper. 

That oil paints diluted with turpentine and 
applied with a stiff bristle brush may be used 
for stencilling fabrics that are to be laundered. 
The oil paints are fast colors — if a warm iron is 
passed over the material before it is washed. 
There are also satisfactory dyes that may be 
applied with an atomizer. In using dyes be sure 
to test them to see that they are fast colors. 

To try your color on samples of the cloth be- 
fore applying it to the article that is being 
made. 

To plan an embroidery design a trifle smaller, 
than you wish it to appear, because the threads 
tend to slip over the edge of the design and 
slightly increase its size. 

To make the stencil pattern a little larger than 
the desired decoration, as it works out a little 
smaller than the original drawings. 

That you may use a heavy drawing paper for 
a stencil pattern needed only two or three timesj, 
but you must use the specially prepared stenc 1 
paper or stencil board if the pattern is repeated 
again and again as in curtain borders. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 37 

If you have the dyes that are applied by means 
of an atomizer, you can use the beautiful Japa- 
nese stencils which are handled by many art 
dealers. 

DRIVERS OR REINS. 

Any of your very small friends will enjoy 
drivers or reins with jingling bells, to wear when 
they are running and prancing as a "pony." 

Perhaps mother or father can show you how 
they used to do the spool knitting a long time ago. 

You will need a tube of carpet warp or " car- 
pet chain," of a good serviceable color. 

Around the hole in the top of an empty spool 
drive 4 brads at equal distances. Be sure to 
place them straight. About %" of the brad 
should extend upward. 

Let the end of the thread for about 6" pass 
through the hole in the spool, then tie a loop over 
one of the brads, take the thread to the left and 
make a loop over the second brad, then go to the 
third and fourth brads in the same way. 

For the second row bring the warp firmly, but 
not too tight in front of the first brad, and with 
a long sharp pin lift the loop over the head of the 
brad, pass to the second, third and fourth brads 
and repeat the stitch. 

Continue knitting this same stitch. As the 
rows are added the finished strand will slip 
through the center of the spool. 



38 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

Knit two and three-fourths yards. Cut the 
warp leaving a five-inch piece. 

To remove the knitting from the spool, put this 
short thread through the first stitch as you lift 
the loop over the top of the brad. Repeat the 
process with the three remaining stitches. 

Slip the strand from the spool and sew the 
two ends together using the piece of warp left 
in the beginning of the work. 

Knit a 10 inch strand. On this piece sew ten 
tiny brass sleigh bells. Fasten the strip with the 
bells from one side of the reins to the opposite 
side, leaving a loop long enough to slip over the 
head of the wearer. When in place, the band 
with bells goes across the chest. 

ANOTHER WAY TO MAKE DRIVERS. 

If you cannot do the spool knitting get some- 
one to teach you how to crochet the cord. Use 
the carpet warp and knit it with a steel crochet 
needle. 

Chain four stitches and fasten them into a 
ring. For the second row make one double cro- 
chet in each stitch of the ring. Continue knit- 
ting this same stitch adding row after row until 
you have the desired length made. 

These heavy cords, made by either the spool 
knitting or crochet form excellent drawstrings 
for laundry or school bags. 




A MATCH SCRATCHER 
On a piece of heavy, brown mat board 4" x 7" 
stencil a design in a darker tone of brown. 
Mount a piece of sandpaper 2 1 / 4" x 4%". 



40 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



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A DESK BLOTTER. 

When father writes a letter, 
He sometimes spills the ink, 

So for his polished desk I'll make 
A blotter big, I think. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



41 



A DESK BLOTTER. 

Materials : 

Newsboard 12" x 18". 

\ yard Tailor's canvas (Light Brown). 

Colored blotting paper 11J" x 17^". 

Lining paper 11J" x 17|". 

Manila drawing paper for practice work. 

Water color paints. 

Paste and scissors. 



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C-CRMVAS. 



Working Drawing for a Blotter. 



42 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

A desk blotter will be an acceptable and prac- 
tical gift for father or almost any of your grown 
up friends. 

Select colors that will harmonize with other 
furnishings of their room. 

To make this blotter, cut 2 strips of canvas 
iy 2 " x 17%". Fold each strip through the mid- 
dle lengthwise. , See A. Cover one entire sur- 
face of each strip with paste and then use them 
to bind the long edges of the newsboard. See 
B. Work rapidly, press the canvas in place with 
a clean, white cloth. Be sure there are no air 
blisters under the strip. 

Cut two strips of canvas 4"xl4". On each 
strip parallel with and %" from one of the long 
edges draw a line. Parallel with and %" from 
the other long edge draw a line. Parallel with 
and 1" from each short end draw a line. Study 
sketch C. Draw and cut on the heavy lines. 
Put paste on the y± space and fold it up with 
the line on the inside. This fold serves as a hem 
for the strips, which are to be used as pockets 
across the ends of the board. Put paste on the 
spaces marked 1, 2 and 3 and fasten them down 
to the back of the board. Be sure you place the 
pencil marks next to the board to hide them. 

Cover the entire surface of the large sheet of 
lining paper with paste and place it on the back 
of the board. Put it under a weight to dry. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



43 



Next begin to plan a design that will fit the 
space 3" x 12". Select a unit and arrange it to 
form a border. Place it on a strip of manila 
paper. Study the various borders in the book 
and select the one you wish to use. There are 
several of them that have continuous lines. If 
you select one of them, you must break these lines 
by "ties" as we are to use a stencil design. 
When your design is satisfactory, cut it out for 
a stencil pattern. 

When the paste is thoroughly dry, place the 
stencil on the canvas pocket and fill it in with 
colors. Be sure you repeat the exact color of 
the blotter in the design. If you wish, a sec- 
ond color may be used for a portion of the dec- 
oration. 

The blotter shown on page 40 was worked out 
with a brown color scheme. The larger spots 
are a dull old orange, the margin lines and the 
smaller spots repeat the exact brown of the blot- 
ter. The lining paper is tan almost the color of 
the canvas. The outline is black. 




44 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



AN ADDRESS BOOK. 

The book we used is 3"x4" and 14" thick. 
The drawing shows a cover made of canvas. 
The dotted lines represent the folds. You will 
note that the linen extends %" beyond the 
top and y% beyond the bottom of the book, 
l 1 /*/' is allowed at each end to fold over and form 
a pocket. 

The light lines parallel with the top and bot- 
tom edges each represents a row of machine 
stitching that holds the fold in place. 

Stencil a design on the front and the owner's 
monogram on the back. Then slip the covers of 
the little book in the pockets made by the folds. 




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WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



45 



A STAMP CASE. 

You will have no difficulty in making this little 
case for postage stamps, if you follow the draw- 
ing where the dimensions are all marked. 

Draw the pattern with very light lines on a 
6" x 9" sheet of cover paper. Cut on the dark 
lines; score, then fold on the dotted lines. At 
the point marked B cut a one-half inch slit. 
When the case is closed the strap is slipped into 
this slit. 

The outside of the square marked A may be 
decorated with a stencil design similar to that 
shown in C. 

This same design might be used as the unit 
for a surface pattern and stencilled on a cushion 
or pillow top. 



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Stamp Case. 



46 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

CALENDARS. 

May your fondest dream come true, 
Is my New Year's wish for you. 

Calendars are appropriate New Year's gifts 
for any of our friends. 

If you paint well, draw a decorative land- 
scape similar to the one on the opposite page; 
color it with flat washes. 

When dry, trim and mount on a panel of heavy 
mat board of a neutral color. Make the propor- 
tions of mat, picture and calendar about the same 
as those of the illustration. 

If you can not paint buy a reproduction of a 
picture by some well known artist and mount it 
with a calendar on a mat, which repeats some 
tone in the picture. 

The postal card reproductions of some of the 
paintings in the Metropolitan Museum are beau- 
tiful enough to be used for a calendar decoration. 

Punch three holes near the top of the mat 
board; through them run a cord of the exact 
color of the board. Use this card as a hanger. 




A Calendar. 



48 WHEN MOTHER LETS IJS MAKE GIFTS 



A COLLAR BAG. 

Big brother goes to college, 
And for his gift 111 make 

A collar bag with stencilled band 
That he may with him take. 




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Stencilled Collar Bags. 



50 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

A COLLAR BAG. 

Materials : 

A piece of linen large enough to make two circles 

7" in diameter and a strip 20" x 8J". 
A piece of silk for lining 20" x 8|". 
2 circles of pasteboard or heavy cardboard 6J" in 

diameter. 

1 strip of oak tag or cardboard 21" x 2^". 

2 yards of silk cord, either the color of the linen or 
of some part of the design. 

Stencil outfit. 

A collar bag makes a good practical gift for 
big brother. He will be sure to like it if you use 
his favorite colors for the design. Either tan 
or gray is a good color for the linen. 

First cut a strip of drawing paper 20" x 2 1 / 2 , \ 
At each end lay off enough for the seam. Be 
sure the remaining length will exactly fit the cir- 
cumference of the circle. Divide this strip into 
four or five equal parts. Plan a unit that may 
be repeated in each space for the design. 

When the drawing is satisfactory, cut the sten- 
cil. Place this border about l 1 /^' from the lower 
edge of the linen strip. Use one or two colors 
for the design. 

Cover each circle of pasteboard with the linen, 
then ' ' overhand ' ' the two circles together. Seam 
together the ends of the linen forming the up- 
right part of the bag. Line it with the silk. 
Turn in the two lower edges and carefully baste 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



51 



them together ; then finish with the blind stitch. 
Over-hand this to the circle on the wrong side. 
Turn. 

Two and one-half inches from and parallel 
with the top fold make a row of stitching. 
Above this %" or %" make a second row of 
stitching. In the spjace between these rows 
work a vertical button-hole at the seam, and an- 
other exactly opposite it. 

Cut the cord into two equal lengths and insert 
the pieces in the button-holes. The ends of cord 
may be tied together in hard knots and finished 
with Indian beads or Japanese tassels or they 
may be sewed together neatly and pulled down to 
the buttonholes. 

Next, rip the lining seam at the bottom far 
enough to insert the 21" strip of cardboard, be- 
tween the two folds of linen. The one inch lap 
of this cardboard helps it to stay in place, but 
you must also sew the lining and outside seams 
firmly together just above the cardboard. 

Any of the various borders given in the book 
may be modified for the design. 




52 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

STENCILLED BAGS. 

The shopping bags sketched on page 53 were 
made of linen. Bach one requires a strip 
9"x23". 

A fold through the middle of the cloth forms 
the bottom. A basting thread should be run 
along this fold and the linen then unfolded. 
Above the thread a design is stencilled. 

When the color is thoroughly dry, the sides are 
to be seamed together with a French seam. The 
cloth is turned in at the top to make a 1%" hem. 
One-half inch above the stitching made by the 
hem place another row of stitching. Two but- 
ton-holes should be worked and the draw-string 
inserted through them. 

Near the ends of the cord, of one bag, Indian 
beads, that repeat the rose and green colors of 
the design, are tied. 

Similar bags may be made in which you vary 
the size according to the use of the bag. One of 
the borders on page 83 might be stenciled 
across the lower portion of a large laundry bag 
made of denim or Russian crash joined together. 

The designs given on page 53 are quite effec- 
tive worked out in either French embroidery or 
with the darning stitch, if you do not care for 
the stencil work. 




Designs for Shopping Bags. 



54 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



MOTHER'S PARTY. 

When mother gives a party, 
We youngsters do delight 
To deck the house with posies gay 
And shade the candles bright. 






Designs for Candle Shades. 




C- PATTERN 

FOR CANDLE 
SHADE 




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Patterns for Candle Shades. 



56 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

A CANDLE SHADE. 
Made of four sections. 

Materials : 

Cover paper or heavy unglazed construction paper 
in dark green, brown or black. 

Tissue paper or Japanese rice paper, dyed the de- 
sired color. 

Large sheets of white or manila drawing paper for 
practice work and stencil patterns. 

Paste and glue. 

Sharp knife or scissors. 

Suppose you make several candle shades to 
give Mother or big sister. Be sure to select 
colors that will harmonize with the decorations 
of their room. 

On practice paper, draw one section of the 
candle shade, using the dimensions given in Fig. 
A. Cut out this drawing; place it on the cover 
paper, trace around it with a sharp, rather hard 
pencil to insure a firm light line. A true line 
can be obtained by placing a ruler with its edge 
exactly over the edge of the pattern. 

Trace the remaining three sections, arranged 
to form the complete pattern as in Fig. B. Add 
the paste flap. 

Make several single sections of the drawing 
paper and use them for practice drawing of the 
design. On each draw light marginal lines 
parallel with the edges. Fig. A. shows the dis- 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 57 

tance these lines should be from each edge. 
Then fold through the middle and plan for a 
bilateral, stencil design. 

Be sure some of the spots follow the marginal 
lines. A design parallel with the structural 
edges seems to become a part of the object. See 
Fig. C. 

In this type of work the design "ties" should 
be heavier than in the regular stencil pattern. 

Continue this practice work until you have a 
satisfactory decoration. Then place it on each 
section of the cover paper and trace. 

Cut out the traced design with a very sharp 
knife or with small sharp scissors. 

In a saucer, mix the paste with water, until it 
is smooth and creamy. Apply it to the entire 
back surface of the shade. Quickly place the 
design on the lining paper; press firmly with a 
clean, white cotton cloth. Put it under a heavy 
weight to dry. 

"When thoroughly dry, cut out on the outside 
lines of the pattern with sharp scissors. 

Bring one edge over the paste flap and you 
will see that some of the decorative spots pass 
over it. These portions must be cut accordingly, 
before you apply the glue and fasten the sides of 
the shade together. 

If you prefer a circular shade to this four- 
sided style you can easily work out a pattern. 



58 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

Use heavy wrapping paper for your experi- 
mental patterns. Begin by drawing two con- 
centric circles for the upper and lower edges of 
the shade. You can use a trifle over a half of 
the circle of paper. 

When you have the desired shape and size, di- 
vide it into sections, then work out the design 
and apply it to the cover paper. Cut out the 
openings and line with colored rice or tissue 
paper. Follow the directions given for 4-sided 
shade in pasting and finishing this circular 
shade. 

Similar forms may be made for the electric 
lights. 




Pattern for Candle Shade. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 59 

A MAGAZINE COVER. 

For Grandpa 's magazine, 

A cover I will send. 

'Twill keep the pages fresh and neat 

When he the book does lend. 



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WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



A MAGAZINE COVER. 



This magazine cover is planned for one of the 
magazines with the medium size pages, but you 
can enlarge the pattern and make it fit any maga- 
zine or paper covered book. 

On a sheet of heavy cover paper Vl 1 /^' x 241/2" 
draw light lines as indicated by the drawing I. 
Fold on the dotted lines at the top and bottom. 
See II. One-fourth of an inch from these folds, 
draw lines on the oblongs A, B, C and D, as 
shown in the pattern. Put glue on these nar- 
row spaces. Fold over both ends of the cover 
to form pockets. 

Decorate with a stencil design or with a stick- 
printing surface pattern. 

Fold on the two remaining lines and slip the 
magazine in this case. 

' ' For love the smallest gift commends ; 
All things are valued by our friends. ' ' 

— Theocritus. 



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PATTERN FO^.MAGA2.U1E- COVER. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 61 

STICK-PRINTING. 

The sticks are about two inches long, they 
vary in thickness; the ends are circles, squares 
and triangles. For the long marginal lines of 
borders use the sides of the sticks. 

If the lesson is to be done with water colors, 
a piece of white felt about an inch square is 
placed in the water pan of the color box. It is 
thoroughly saturated with the desired color. 
The end of the stick is placed against the felt 
pad, then quickly lifted and pressed firmly 
against the practice paper. If the print is satis- 
factory, the stick is again touched to the pad and 
pressed on the space to be decorated. Be sure 
to make only one print before returning the stick 
to the pad. 

There are specially prepared outfits for this 
work, that may be purchased from reliable art 
dealers at a very reasonable price. The fast 
colors used in these special boxes have the ad- 
vantage over the water-colors, in that they may 
be applied to cloth that is to be laundried or ex- 
posed to a strong light. 

Among the problems worked out in this book 
are stick-printing decorations on candy boxes, 
envelopes and wrapping paper. 

Stick-printing may also be used in making 
appropriate designs for book-covers and many 
other useful articles. 





III f " III 

f ijl 



DETAIL OF DESIGN 

FOJ\ SURFrtCE 
PATTE KN. 




Candy Boxes. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 63 

CANDY BOXES. 

With Mother's help even the little kinder- 
garten people can make some practical and 
artistic boxes and baskets, to be filled with nuts 
and candies. 

The necessary materials are tinted cover pa- 
per, or construction paper, paste, scissors, water 
colors, and perhaps a little raffia or cord. 

Box I. is strong and very easily made. Draw 
it according to the pattern on opposite page. 
Score, then fold on the dotted lines. Cut on the 
heavy lines — put paste on the corner squares and 
fold them on the inside. 

You will note that the lid is %" larger than 
the bottom of the box. See A. 

The decoration must be placed upon the lid 
before it is pasted together. 

The easiest method is to cut a simple, geomet- 
rical design of a contrasting and harmonious 
paper and mount it upon the lid of the box. 
See C. 

However, one may use a very simple stenciled 
design as shown in D. Notice that both C and 
D picture only one-half of the decoration; the 
dotted line represents a lengthwise fold through 
the top. 

If the boxes are for Christmas it is well to use 
the Christmas colors, green and red. If they are 




Pattern for Candy Box. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 65 

Easter gifts some of the Easter symbols may be 
used. Yet it is always safe to select geometrical 
designs. That is one reason why beginners get 
such satisfactory results with the stick-printing. 

Box II. may have a hanger of braided raffia, if 
it is to be hung on a Christmas tree. If you de- 
cide to use it as an individual table decoration, 
the handle should be made of a strip of cover 
paper, 9" x%". If colored paper is used for 
the decoration of the triangles then mount a strip 
9" x 14" on the top of the handle paper. 

The construction of Box III. is shown in the 
working drawing. Draw the pattern on the 
cover paper, cut it out ; add the decoration. 

Cut the slits marked on the oblong E. 
Through these openings put a piece of colored 
tape or cord; leave a loop long enough to form 
a hanger or handle and tie the ends in a hard 
knot on the wrong side. 

Place glue on the strip "A" under the oblong 
on the opposite side. Press from the inside with 
a ruler until it is firmly fastened. Then fold B 
over the opening, place C on top of B and D on 
top of C with the flap going on the inside of the 
box. This end will stay in place without paste. 

Use the opening at opposite end of the box 
when filling it. Then fold the three pieces over 
to close it. 



66 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 




Pattern for Candy Box. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 67 

DECORATED WRAPPING PAPERS. 

Artistic wrapping paper adds much to the in- 
terest of a gift. And you will all enjoy printing 
the designs on your Easter or Christmas wrap- 
pers. 

You will need a sheet of white blotting paper 
16"x20". Lay it off in 2" squares. Use a 
sharp, soft lead pencil for these lines. 

Place a sheet of white tissue or Japanese rice 
paper on the blotter. The penciled lines will 
show through and serve as a guide for arranging 
the spots to form a surface pattern. For Christ- 
mas use the red and green colors, for Easter 
violet and green. 

Work out with the stick-printing, following 
the suggestions previously given for that method 
of decorating. 

The plain white paper napkins may be used 
instead of the tissue paper, or you may use 
heavier papers. If you substitute a heavy paper 
you will be unable to stamp your design by the 
lines on the blotter. It will then be necessary 
to lay off the wrapping paper in the 2" squares. 
If you use a very hard, sharp lead pencil and 
press lightly, the lines will serve as guides and 
yet not mar the effect of the design. 

"A small gift but well timed.' ' 

— A Latin proverb. 



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Decorated Wrapping Paper. 




Patterns for Envelopes. 



70 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

ENVELOPES FOR GIFTS. 

Beauty may be added to your small gifts by 
enclosing them in envelopes or cases made espe- 
cially for them. 

After studying the drawings decide upon the 
size of the envelope you will need. Work out 
a full size pattern on drawing paper. Cut and 
fold it. Plan the design to fit the face of it. 
Then make the envelope of cover paper and dec- 
orate it with water colors. Fasten it with one 
of your seals. 

You will have no difficulty in following the di- 
rections given in the drawings, if you cut on the 
heavy lines and fold on the light or on the dotted 
lines. 

The post-card case makes an interesting gift. 

Use very heavy cover paper or oak tag and 
decorate with an appropriate design. 

When completed fill it with postals. Use care 
in their selection. Artist friends will enjoy 
cards showing reproductions of pictures by good 
artists ; other friends may prefer a selection con- 
taining quaint bits of our own country or things 
seen in your own town. 

If you have a kodak you can make your own 
picture postals. Grandmother and Grandfather 
will be sure to like a collection showing your 
home, family and friends. 




ASquAKE ENVELOPE. 



A CASE FDR 

POSTCARDS 



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Patterns for Envelopes. 



72 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

HANDKERCHIEF CASES. 

Case No. I. 

To make this dainty little gift you will need 
two oblongs of paste-board each 3-°>4" x 614". 
Two strips of printed or brocaded material 
(silk, cretonne or chintz) 4*4" x 13". 

Over each paste-board put a thin layer of 
cotton sprinkled with a good sachet powder. 
Then cover with the printed cloth or with plain 
linen upon which you have previously embroid- 
ered a design. To cover the oblongs, first baste 
the edges together, then finish with the " over- 
handing" stitch. 

Of silk elastic, that repeats some color of the 
design, make a band, that will slip over the cover 
when there are seven or eight handkerchiefs be- 
tween the oblongs. 

Case No. II. 

This case is made just exactly as the one pre- 
viously described, excepting that 5%" squares 
instead of the oblongs are covered with the 
printed fabrics. 

If you wish you may cover the elastic with 
ribbon before you make it into the band, and 
fasten it with a small rosette of the same ribbon. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 73 

A BALI HOLDER. 

Since the revival of all of the old-fashioned 
craftswork, several of your friends are sure to 
crochet. Now if they do not own a holder for 
their ball, that is the very thing for you to make 
for their Christmas or birthday gift ! 

Study the sketch p. 74, and from the dimen- 
sions given, work out a full sized pattern on 
paper. 

Fold a 21" x 534." strip of cretonne, silk or 
chintz through the middle crosswise; on this 
fold put the top of your pattern then cut through 
the two thicknesses of the cloth. 

In the middle of one of the circles work a small 
eyelet. Then baste the two circles together, to 
the points A and B. To finish the edges begin 
at the point "A" go up along the strap and 
around to "A." (See small sketch.) Continue 
around the bottom of the bag binding the two 
basted sections together. When you reach the 
point "B" go around the arm strap back to the 
same point and fasten the end of the ribbon 
neatly. 



74 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 




A Ball Holder. 



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A " Carpenter's" Apron for a Child. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 75 

A "CARPENTER'S" APRON FOR A CHILD. 

The small boy who likes to use tools will be 
very proud to own a carpenter's apron. 

It is very quickly and easily made. Fold an 
18" square of striped ticking through the middle. 
The fold parallel with the stripes. 

On the top edge 5" from the fold place a mark 
A ; on the edge 8" above the corner place a mark 
B. With the cloth folded cut a curve from A to 
B. See the drawing which shows the apron un- 
folded. 

Sew a strip 18" x 6" across the bottom for nail 
pockets. This large pocket should be divided 
into three sections by stitching it to the apron, 
see lines E and F. 

Hem all raw edges. 

Double a 12" x 2" strip lengthwise and stitch 
the edges; sew it to the corners A and C. This 
forms a loop to slip over the head. 

Strings are made by folding lengthwise and 
sewing the edges of two strips each 20" x 2". 
They are fastened to the apron at D and B. 

A small pocket 2" x 5" may be sewed at the 
left for ruler and pencil. 





Stencilled Pillow Tops. 



WHEN" MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 77 

STENCILLED PILLOWS. 

Russian crash, scrim, burlap, pongee silk and 
handwoven linens, all take the colors well and 
make good practical pillow tops. 

On Manila paper work out one-fourth of the 
design. From this trace the entire decoration 
on a large sheet of drawing paper, to see if the 
central space is a pleasing form. When the de- 
sign is satisfactory, trace it on stencil paper or 
stencil board. Cut out this pattern with a 
sharp knife or scissors. 

Place the cloth on a large sheet of blotting 
paper, then on top of the cloth fasten the stencil 
in place with thumb tacks. Be sure to use 
enough tacks to hold all portions of the design 
close to the cloth or the color is likely to run un- 
der the edges and mar the design. 

If oil paints diluted with turpentine are used 
for the stencilling, keep the work flat on the table 
as you apply the color. If you use the dyes with 
an atomizer the material must be fastened to a 
large drawing board. It is then held in almost 
vertical position as the color is sprayed upon the 
cloth. 

In most of the stores where the stencil outfits 
are sold, you can be shown how to do the work. 

Care must be taken to apply the color spar- 
ingly, so that the meshes of the cloth are not 
filled. 



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AS A BORDER ON EACH SIDE. 



Designs for Pillow Tops. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 79 

SCARFS OR RUNNERS. 

Another acceptable gift for the house-keeper 
is a scarf or runner for a table, side-board or 
chiffonier. 

You may use scrim, Russian crash or linen in 
white or cream. Hem-stitch or fringe the ends 
and above this stencil a design. 

Many of the linens come in the narrow weave, 
by care you can find one of the desired width 
for your scarf. This will save you the labor of 
hemming or hemstitching the sides. 

First work out your design on a sheet of draw- 
ing paper the exact width of the scarf. You 
must divide this strip into an equal number of 
spaces and modify your design to fit these spaces, 
because no parts of units should be used in the 
design. 

Stencil with oil paints diluted with turpentine 
or with "fast" dyes. 

Unless you have had some special instruction 
in designing you would better use a simple, con- 
ventional border across the ends only. It re- 
quires more skill to adapt natural forms to the 
end spaces or to have designs that pass along the 
sides. 




TWO DESIGNS FOR SCARFS OR RUNNERS. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 81 



STENCILLED CURTAINS. 

On dainty curtains white, 

We made a rose design. 

For Grandma's gift at Christmas time 

They were a present fine. 




Stencilled Curtains. 



82 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

STENCILLED CURTAINS. 

Scrim, cheesecloth or any of the sheer muslins 
may be used for stenciled curtains. 

Make your pattern on stencil board or stencil 
paper. If you use brush and oil paints you must 
break your marginal lines more frequently than 
in those borders shown on the opposite page. 
These " ties" serve to hold the design together 
and prevent the paint from spreading under the 
long edges. Less "ties" are required when the 
color is applied with an atomizer. 

After the cloth is hemmed, place it on large 
sheets of white blotting paper. Then pin the 
stencil pattern on it and apply the color. 

Carefully wipe off the edges of the pattern 
before you use it a second time. 

Border designs may be stenciled on the bot- 
tom, or on the bottom and one side, or on the 
bottom of the curtain and on a valance that goes 
across the top of the curtain. Be sure the color 
you use will stand both sunshine and water. 




WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 83 



^ 



Designs for Cross-Stitch Embroidery or for 
Stencil Work. 



84 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



A PORTFOLIO. 



For our artist Auntie, 
We made this useful case. 
In it her many patterns 
May each one find a place 



DESIGNS 




WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



85 



A PORTFOLIO. 

Materials : . 

2 pieces of newsboard 12" x 18". 

2 sheets of tinted cover paper 15" x 21". 

2 sheets of lining paper 11" x 17". 

1 strip of bookbinders' linen 3"x20". 

1 strip of bookbinders' linen 3" x 17". 

1 yard tape. 

Manila drawing paper. 

Water colors. 

Paste. 



Many times Grandmother, Auntie or Sister 
wish to refer to an article that has appeared in 
some periodical. They find it a great amount of 
work to look over piles of old magazines for the 
desired pages. 

Why not make a portfolio for them ? 

1 J 




LINING PAPER 
m pLAce. 



A-Cw-r corners 



B-Shortlinen strip in pt-f\ce on 

IH5IDE OF" PORTFOLIO. 



Working Drawing for a Portfolio. 



86 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

The portfolio here described i's planned to fit 
the pages of the largest magazines. " Designs" 
is the title, because it was made for a friend, who 
is especially interested in that subject. She had 
complained that pages removed from the larger 
magazines did not fit in any of the books in which 
she mounted and traced designs for applied art. 
Perhaps you may decide to call your portfolio 
" Pictures," " Patterns," or " Short Stories." 

Before you begin the actual work, you must 
have a quantity of creamy, smooth paste in a 
shallow dish, also a large paste brush. 

Place a piece of the newsboard on one of the 
sheets of cover paper, so that the margins are 
equal. Trace around the board. Cut the cor- 
ners as shown in Fig. A. Remove the news- 
board and apply paste to the large oblong just 
drawn. Lay the newsboard on this pasted 
space. Turn over, and rub down. Let the 
strokes go from the center outward. 

As previously directed, use a white cotton 
cloth for rubbing the surface, and be sure all air 
blisters are removed. 

Apply paste to the projecting laps, fold them 
over and rub down. 

Cover the other newsboard in the same man- 
ner. 

In the middle of the top, front and bottom of 
each of the covers cut a short slit %" from and 



WHEN MOTHER LETS TJS MAKE GIFTS 87 

parallel with the edge. This slit must go 
through both paper and newsboard. Insert one 
of the pieces of tape in each slit. Put the tape 
in from the outside, pull until the end extends at 
least an inch on the inside, then glue tape to the 
board. 

Apply paste to the entire surface of each of 
the lining papers. Put them in place to finish 
the covering of the newsboard. They will also 
hide the ends of the tape. 

Place the covers under a heavy weight to dry. 

On a sheet of Manila paper 12" x 18" work out 
the design for the portfolio. First decide upon 
the title and the space it will occupy. Use good 
simple type. You may select something similar 
to that of our portfolio for " Designs'' or you 
may use a surface pattern similar to the 
"Music" portfolio; or you may make a stick 
printing surface similar to those we used on our 
boxes or wrapping paper. 

You are now ready to fasten the two covers 
together. The strips of linen must extend one 
inch on each side of the cover. Draw very light 
lines to show this. Next on the wrong side of 
the linen strips draw lines one inch from and 
parallel with its long edges. On the shorter 
piece of linen, apply glue to the marginal spaces, 
then quickly press them in place to hold the cov- 
ers together on the inside. 



88 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



Turn the portfolio over, apply glue to longer 
strip of linen and press it in place. Be careful 
that no glue gets on the paper. This strip will 
extend 1" at top and 1" at bottom. Turn the 
portfolio over, put glue on the extending ends of 
linen strip and bring them over on the inside of 
the portfolio until the folds are even with the 
top and bottom edges of the covers. 

If you wish the inside to be especially beauti- 
ful, use the Japanese "Shadow" paper for the 
lining. It may be purchased from any of the 
shops that import Japanese artists' materials. 




A Japanese Stencil. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 89 









A Music Portfolio. 



90 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

A MUSIC PORTFOLIO. 

Materials : 
2 pieces of newsboard 11" x 14". 
2 sheets cover paper 14" x 17". 
2 sheets lining paper 10" x 13". 
1 strip bookbinders' linen 3" x 13". 
1 strip bookbinders' linen 3"xl6". 
1 yard tape cut in 6 equal lengths. 
Manila paper. 
Water colors. 
Paste and glue. 

Your musical friend will surely treasure a 
portfolio in which to file favorite or most used 
sheets of music. 

The dimensions for it are given in the list of 
materials. It is made in exactly the same man- 
ner as the " Design" portfolio. 

If you prefer you may omit the tapes. Yet 
they hold the covers together firmly and give it 
a neat appearance when filled and closed. 

The illustration suggests a surface pattern 
design. If your friend has initials that form an 
artistic monogram you may arrange these letters 
in a circle on the back cover. Eepeating the ex- 
act color of the front design. 

If you are unable to match the tape and cover 
paper, select paper, then color a piece of white 
or cream tape. If the first wash is not dark 
enough when dry add another. Continue until 
you get the desired tone. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



91 



THE COOK-BOOK. 



When Mother goes from home 
We find it hard to cook, 
We'll ask her now to write her rules 
And keep them in this book. 




Covers for Cook Books. 



92 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



A COOK-BOOK. 

Materials : 

10 Manila envelopes No. 11. 

2 pieces newsboard 4f " x 10f". 

11 strips bookbinders' linen 1" x lOf ". 

1 strip bookbinders' linen If" xllj". 

2 sheets cover paper 5f " x 11J". 
2 sheets lining paper 4" x 10". 
Manila paper. 

Paste and glue. 
Water colors. 





A-ENVELOPES B- FIRST ENVELOPE Or LAST 

FASTENED WITH LINEN. ENVELOPE. 





!D- COVE FN PAPER. 

CUTCORNERS flSMARMEQ 



E" LINEH STM V IN 
PLACE ON COVeH. 



Working Drawing for Cook Book. 



WHEtf MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 93 

Why not make a cook-book for Mother or 
Grandmother ? A book in which they may keep 
their loose recipes classified and in order: 

Select cover paper and linen in colors that 
harmonize, yet dark enough not to soil readily. 

On the wrong side of each of 9 of the linen 
strips, draw a line lengthwise through the mid- 
dle ; score, then fold on this line. 

Place strips face downward on a clean paper. 
Apply a good paste to the entire surface of these 
strips and use them to fasten all of the envelopes 
together. See A. 

When the ten envelopes have been arranged 
in one bunch, paste one-half of the tenth strip of 
linen on the first envelope. See Fig. B. On the 
last envelope paste one-half of the eleventh linen 
strip. See Fig. C. 

On one sheet of the cover paper lay the news- 
board; trace around, then remove it. At each 
corner draw and cut lines as shown in Fig. D. 

Apply paste to the oblong just drawn. Place 
the newsboard on it. Turn over and rub down 
with a clean white cloth. Let strokes go from 
the center toward edges. Turn over. Put 
paste on the projecting laps, fold them over and 
rub down. 

Cover the entire surface of one of the lining 
papers and paste it in place on the inside of 
cover. Keep the margins equal. 



94 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

Use the same method and cover the other piece 
of newsboard. Put both covers under a weight 
to dry. 

On a piece of Manila paper, the exact size of 
the newsboard, work out a good design. At the 
left allow a half -inch space for the lap of the 
binding linen. Be sure to consider the title as 
an important part of the decoration space. 

When the design is satisfactory, trace it on 
rice paper. Rub a very soft lead pencil over the 
entire surface of back of the tracing paper. 
Place this blackened side on the front cover. 
With a sharp, hard lead pencil go over the entire 
design. After you remove the rice paper, it will 
probably be necessary to go over the outline 
with a firm line before you fill it in with a flat 
wash of water-colors. 

The color of the linen should be that of the 
cover paper or of the design. In the black and 
white illustrations the contrast between design 
and cover appears stronger than you should have 
it. 

One of the cook books shown in the illustra- 
tion is made of gray cover paper, the linen and 
design are a dull, dark old rose. It is all out- 
lined with black. 

The design must be perfectly dry, before you 
attempt to outline it. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS TJS MAKE GIFTS 95 

The other book is made in two tones of a dull 
green. 

To complete the book, draw a line one-half 
inch from and parallel with each long edge of the 
1%" x 1114" linen strip. Place the lines on the 
wrong side of the linen. Apply glue to the mar- 
ginal spaces, and fasten them to the covers to 
hold the two together. See E. 

Put glue on the linen projecting at top and 
bottom, bring these ends down on the inside and 
fasten. The folds should be even with the top 
and bottom edges of the cover. 

Place glue on the unused half of the linen strip 
on the first envelope; fasten it to the inside of 
the front cover. Be careful to have margins at 
top and bottom equal. Fasten the last envelope 
to the inside of the back of the cover. 

Place under a weight to dry. Before fasten- 
ing the envelopes together print at the top of 
each such words as index the contents asi 
Soups, Salads, Meats, Vegetables, Deserts, Etc. 
If you can draw well add an appropriate design. 




&U0) 




96 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



A CLIPPING BOOK. 

For Uncle dear, who writes, 
I've made a clipping book. 
Then when he needs a clipping 
He'll know just where to look. 




CUPPINGS 



IS 



W 






1 



Covers for Clipping Books. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 97 

A CLIPPING BOOK. 

Maybe Uncle, big brother or Father would en- 
joy owning a " Clipping Book." 

The materials are the same as those we used 
for the i ' Cook Book. " It is made in exactly the 
same way excepting the title, which is changed 
to "Clippings." 

Before you label the envelopes consider the 
subjects that he especially enjoys. Mark the 
envelopes with these titles. 

One clipping book has the subjects: "Cur- 
rent Events," "Scientific Facts," "Political 
Notes," "Biography," "Art Notes," "Art Ex- 
hibits," "Personals," "Poetry," "Book Ee- 
views" and "Miscellaneous." 

If you wish you may use envelopes larger than 
No. 11. It will necessitate the enlarging of the 
newsboard, cover paper and linen strips in pro- 
portion to the increased size of the envelopes. 




98 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



Here's a book for baby dear. 
See the pictures big and clear ; 
Camel, elephant and bear, 
Many animals are there. 




i, .>. 




5WALL0W 




RKDT 



BIRD ' ** ^RDD5TER 



HEN 

CHICK5 






RABBIT5 



mJM 



DOG ^^ 

Hi 



CATS 




k 



"to 

CAMEL- 1 * 



flit 

ELEPHANT 



Pictures for Babj^'s Book. 



100 WHEN MOTHER LETS ITS MAKE GIFTS 

A PICTURE BOOK FOR BABY. 

Materials : 

6 sheets of heavy, cream hand-made Japanese paper 

14" x 20". 
2 pieces of newsboard f " x 7§ ". 
2 pieces of newsboard 9f " x 7f". 
2 strips of thin white cotton cloth 1 \" x 7f ". 
2 pieces of cover paper 12-J-" x 9|". 
2 sheets of lining paper 9^" x 7J". 
2 yards of tape. 

Even if you are not much of an artist you can 
make a lovely picture book for your very small 
friends. 

Cut or tear each sheet of paper through the 
middle, lengthwise. Fold each of these 7" x 20" 
sheets through the middle to get a page 7" x 10". 
Let the fold be at the front and the edges at the 
back, as in Japanese books. It makes the pages 
more durable to have the paper doubled, with the 
pictures placed on only one side of it. 

In placing the drawings on the pages be sure 
to allow an ample space for fastening the sheets 
together. 

You will have no difficulty in finding good il- 
lustrations of animals in natural histories, fables 
and stories. Select pictures where the subject 
appears in profile. If the size is appropriate for 
your book-page, trace the outline on thin paper 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 101 

and transfer it to the Japanese paper with a 
sharp lead pencil. 

Next open the sheet ; place it upon a large blot- 
ter and fill in the outline with black, water-proof 
India ink. 

Page 99 offers a few suggestions for the illus- 
trations. The dotted line represents the fold, 
that comes at the front of the book. 

Page 102 shows the working drawings for the 
cover. Place the two pieces of newsboard as 
shown in drawing A. Leave a space of y± be- 
tween them. 

Put paste over one strip of the linen and press 
it firmly in place over the narrow board, across 
the space between and then fasten it along the 
entire side of the large board for a space y± 
wide. 

Make the back of the cover by joining the two 
remaining pieces of newsboard in exactly the 
same way. 

Read the directions for covering the news- 
board backs for a portfolio ; then study the draw- 
ing B and C page 102 and paste the paper on your 
book cover. Put them under a weight to dry. 

When the covers are thoroughly dry, decorate 
the top with a stencil design. 

Between the covers arrange the pages of the 
book in order, so that edges at the left extend 
one-half inch on the narrow board. Punch five 



102 WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



holes through the hinge space of the top cover. 
Prom these holes, mark the place directly under 
and punch holes through the leaves and the back 
cover. Fasten all together by lacing with a 
tape, the exact color of the cover paper. Draw- 
ing D shows the lacing completed. 



wj[w 



TSEWSBOARD 



if ±< 



H 



' 


/ 

\ 


f \ 


/ 


1- 




V 




\ / 





QL' 



0-READY FOR 

DECORATION. 



C-NEW5B0ARD ON ?l\?ER. 



Working Drawing for Book Cover. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 



103 



EASTER GIFTS. 

The book-mark and Easter folders on page 12 
should be carefully drawn on practice paper, 
then traced on water-color or cover paper and 
the design worked out with flat washes. 

The book-mark is quite effective when done 
in tones of green and yellow. 

Special envelopes may be made for these fold- 
ers or for other Easter cards by changing the size 
of the patterns given on p. 69. 

Boxes may be made and filled with candy or 
flowers. The designs for the boxes may be geo- 
metrical forms or they may be decorative draw- 
ings of rabbits, chickens, eggs, the Easter lily or 
the butterfly. 

As a symbolical design, the butterfly is quite 
appropriate. The three stages of its existence, 
the worm, the cocoon and the butterfly are sym- 
bols of life, death, resurrection. 

The conventional butterflies drawings below 
are from Japanese books. 




104 WHEN MOTHEK LETS US MAKE GIFTS 

A simple design may be placed at the left of a 
correspondence card or a postal card and at the 
right "Easter Greetings" or a short quotation 
may be printed. Let the color of the letters re- 
peat the colors of the drawings. 

Simple designs may be placed in circles one 
inch in diameter. After they are colored and 
thoroughly dry, cut them out and use them as 
seals for Easter envelopes and packages. Be 
careful in applying the paste. 

The rabbit seal was made by a small girl. She 
drew it on white paper, put in a flat wash of 
green for a background ; when this was dry out- 
lined it in black. 

If you wish to use figures of children on some 
of your cards, study books illustrated in color by 
Kate Greenaway. The drawings are usually 
about the right size for cards or folders. They 
may be traced then colored. 

Small blotters and many of the other gifts we 
have made may be used at Easter time. 




r 



*** '% 





1916 



* 





» 



* 



MERRY CHRI5TMA5 *i 



Christmas Designs. 



Km Mill! 



OrblTO QreeHnqs 





82 AVERY MERRYi 

CHRI5TMA5 



OV^'OVS'O 



0^-£.°0«r-3bOm-£50«ToO< 



j f)bove- Outside of {oldet: I 



! Below- Inside of (ol<Der. Abov«-Owt- 

Side. of folder 
Below- los'd* 





WITH BEST 

CHRI5TMA5 

WISHES 



iFsiiirsiiirsinrai 



Drawings for Christmas Folders or Cards. 



WHEN MOTHER LETS US MAKE GIFTS 107 

CHRISTMAS CARDS. 

The small cards that accompany your Christ- 
mas gifts may be decorated with some of the em- 
blems given on page 105. 

These same designs may be used on the corre- 
spondence cards or note paper, upon which you 
write your Christmas letters. 

Circles decorated with a few holly leaves and 
berries make lovely seals. Draw a number of 
circles one inch in diameter. On one of them 
make a pattern design. If satisfactory, trace it 
on the circles and color in red and green. When 
dry cut out the circles and paste them in place. 
If you use a mistletoe design put in a light green 
background. When it is thoroughly dry, paint 
the leaves a darker green and outline the white 
berries with this same dark green. 

Page 106 gives special drawings for Christ- 
mas folders and cards. 

"The good- will that comes with a gift is the 
best part of it." — A Latin proverb. 



/ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



013 973 772 6 t 





